Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Pins awarded to community members

By Irene van der Kloet

Recently, Smoky Lake Town and County residents were awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Pin. The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Pin is given in honour of the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II and marks significant contributions that recipients have made to the province and their community. Without exception, all these residents have volunteered much of their time over an extended period to better their community and build relationships. Smoky Lake Town and County combined had twelve recipients of this unique pin: Michelle Wright, a community builder involved in many different volunteer activities in the town, the Kinettes and the Chamber of Commerce. Gerald Babichuk was awarded the pin and medal for volunteering for many years, especially driving the Lions Club bus. Seniors often use this bus for doctor   appointments in the city. Steve Zarusky: when Steve was asked why he received the pin, he humbly answered: “ Serving the community.” Patricia Palechuk, for volunteering in the community for 57 years. Dareld Cholak of Spedden received the pin and medal for his past and present volunteerism. Noreen Easterbrook is the Smoky Lake Food Bank’s president and volunteers with the Heritage Board. . Brian Jones received the pin for building connections with Ukraine and giving refugee Ukrainians a new home and a job. “In 2014, when Russia invaded Ukraine, my wife and I came up with the idea to twin with a community in Ukraine for support. Other municipalities have followed, and more are to come. I want to emphasize that the honour is not only for me but just as much for my wife, Leesa, as we have done all this work together and are equally involved in the effort,” Brian adds. Lydia Cielin received the pin for volunteering in the community with various groups. Christine Hansen, Daryl Chomay and Scott Franchuk received the pin for volunteering in the community. Smoky Lake Town or County nominated residents from Smoky Lake Town or County; the Winston Churchill Society nominated Brian and Leesa in Edmonton. This Society is a registered charity inspired by Sir Winston Churchill. They want to inspire leaders, young and old, to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Dareld Cholak and Gerald Babichuk received a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal as well. The pin is a federal award, and the medal is a provincial one. Smoky Lake Town and County are proud to have many residents recognized for their volunteer work.